Bucket 'cradle or platform' for front of utility trailer......

[Flintknapper]

Anyone add a platform/cradle to the front of a utility trailer to rest the FEL bucket on?

The purpose to gain a little more room on an 18' trailer when an implement is attached to the rear.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Be really, really careful ! While it sounds like a good idea, do a test with a big 'bucket sized' cardboard box and see what happens when you make a sharp turn.
Unless the cradle is 6" higher than your tailgate, I suspect you'll destroy your $5K tailgate.
I've seen guys remove SSQA bucket, put up front ,then drive loader frame over bucket.

 

[Lil Foot]

I mounted my spare at the front of the trailer.
When I used to haul my B7100 on the utility trailer, I'd place a piece of OSB or plywood on the spare, rest the FEL bucket on the wood, and strap it down.
It worked flawlessly.
Even got an "atta boy" from a DPS patrolman on how well the tractor was secured.

 

[torch]

I dump my bucket all the way forward and set it on the A-frame of the tongue beyond the trailer bed wall. Then secure it with an additional strap. Leaves room for the snowblower or backhoe to remain mounted at the rear while maintaining sufficient tongue weight.

If I need additional equipment such as the concrete bucket or forks, I load it on a pallet into the truck bed first before connecting the trailer. Then leave the forks in the bed under the pallet ready for unloading. Again, straps to secure things in place.

 

[Tarmy]

I made this set up for my dump trailer…works great.

 

[Flintknapper]

Thanks for the ideas and replies fellas.

In the meantime.....I found a 20' x 90" 'deck over' trailer that might solve my length and width issue. Thinking about going that way.

 

[PHPaul]

Be really, really careful ! While it sounds like a good idea, do a test with a big 'bucket sized' cardboard box and see what happens when you make a sharp turn.
Unless the cradle is 6" higher than your tailgate, I suspect you'll destroy your $5K tailgate.
I've seen guys remove SSQA bucket, put up front ,then drive loader frame over bucket.

^^^ Ask me how I know...

Not a bucket, but a poorly chosen place to mount a spare tire and a brand new - less than 500 miles - F250. Not a tailgate, but tail light lenses ain't cheap either.